A LOCAL performer and dance teacher has helped raise more than £2,000 for Poole Hospital’s alcohol care team in memory of her father.

Gina Barnard from GJ Cabarets organised a ‘Loved Ones Lost’ show in February, which raised £2,253 for the hospitals’ Alcohol Care and Treatment Service (ACTS). The funds will be used to provide specialist training to support service users.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who enjoyed the show and contributed to this donation,” said Gina, who presented the cheque to the hospital in March alongside Sara Fripp, Poole Hospital Charity fundraising manager and Graeme White, Poole Hospital’s head of addiction services.

“I’m incredibly grateful that this showcase in memory of my dad, Simon Andrew Barnard, has raised funds that will help support those with alcohol problems at the hospital.”

ACTS identifies patients who would benefit from advice and support with their drinking, and ensures further help is available in the community once they leave hospital, with 20,000 patients screened last year.

It was described as “the model we want to see everywhere”, following a recent visit by Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

n If you would like to donate to Poole Hospital Charity to help fund provisions above and beyond what the NHS can offer visit http://www.poolehospitalcharity.co.uk/